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What Is Disaster Tourism?

Lainie Petersen
Lainie Petersen

Disaster tourism is the practice of traveling to areas that have recently experienced natural or man-made disasters. Individuals who participate in this type of travel are typically curious to see the results of the disaster and often travel as part of an organized group. Many people have criticized disaster tourism as exploitation of human misery and a practice that demeans and humiliates local residents. Others argue that tourism to devastated areas can offer a boost to the local economy and raise awareness of the incident, both of which are often needed after a tragedy. It should be noted that disaster tourism is separate and distinct from the efforts of humanitarian groups who may bring in work crews from outside the area to assist in cleanup, rebuilding, and provision of necessary services to local residents.

When a geographical region suffers a major incident, the media may spend a great deal of time reporting on the situation and the plight of local residents. In some cases, this reporting can inspire curiosity in individuals who may have difficulty comprehending the magnitude of the situation. As a result, some people will actually visit the affected areas so they can experience the situation firsthand. These individuals are typically motivated by curiosity and do not necessarily plan to participate in relief efforts to assist the rebuilding of the communities they will visit. In some cases, those who participate in disaster tourism will simply travel to an area on their own, while others will purchase a package tour from a travel business.

Traveling to disaster areas as part of a work group offering assistance is one alternative to disaster tourism.
Traveling to disaster areas as part of a work group offering assistance is one alternative to disaster tourism.

Some individuals who have reported on disaster tourism note that some local residents, government officials, and community advocates find the practice disturbing. Disaster tourism detractors believe that the practice is insensitive, as it turns private citizens and their misery into a tourist attraction. The citizens are not compensated directly for their participation in the "attraction" and typically don't give their permission to be photographed or observed by tourists. In addition, detractors also argue that the presence of tourists, particularly when ferried about in large motor coaches or traveling in large groups, can interfere with legitimate relief efforts. Supporters of disaster tourism argue that tourism brings in needed cash to an area, which is important to stabilizing the economy and creating new jobs. Without the income from tourism, supporters argue, disaster-afflicted areas will have difficulty restoring their communities.

Critics of disaster tourism say it turns a devastated place where people are suffering into a tourist attraction.
Critics of disaster tourism say it turns a devastated place where people are suffering into a tourist attraction.

As an alternative to disaster tourism, many charitable groups do offer individuals the opportunity to travel to disaster-affected areas as part of a work group. These groups work with local organizations to rebuild communities and provide charitable and even relocation services to residents who have lost their homes, jobs, and families. While there may be some opportunity for tourism during these trips, the emphasis of the journey is on assisting communities rather than recreational travel.

Discussion Comments

RoyalSpyder

After reading this article, there's no doubt that disaster tourism is a very unethical practice. Obviously there are those who want to go and help out with the relief efforts, but that isn't the case here.

Wanting to experience the disasters first hand, they do nothing to help with the situations, and seem to be adding fuel to the fire. Between the general public and the exposition of the media, disaster tourism seems to be on the move more than ever.

Hazali

I agree with several points about disaster tourism, especially the fact that it seems to expose human misery. However, in my opinion, the media is also to blame for this. In fact, is it just me, or does the media always seem intent on exposing every major incident that occurs?

While I understand that their job is to report things, it sometimes seems like they thrive off seeing other people suffer, especially when they focus on nothing but that incident for weeks on end.

Viranty

I have never heard of disaster tourism, but it sounds pretty interesting. However, what exactly is the purpose of it? I know the article goes into detail, but I'm still quite confused. Why would someone want to go to an area that's just been completely destroyed? After all, all they're going to see is pain, misery, and/or suffering. However, if they're going there to study, observe, or help out, that makes a lot more sense.

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    • Traveling to disaster areas as part of a work group offering assistance is one alternative to disaster tourism.
      By: Enrico Di Cino
      Traveling to disaster areas as part of a work group offering assistance is one alternative to disaster tourism.
    • Critics of disaster tourism say it turns a devastated place where people are suffering into a tourist attraction.
      By: FrankBirds
      Critics of disaster tourism say it turns a devastated place where people are suffering into a tourist attraction.
    • Some tourists might survey a disaster area from the air.
      By: meoita
      Some tourists might survey a disaster area from the air.
    • People who participate in disaster tourism may assist with rebuilding efforts.
      By: Jean-Yves Foy
      People who participate in disaster tourism may assist with rebuilding efforts.
    • Citizens involved in a disaster typically don't give their permission to be photographed or observed by tourists.
      By: anyaberkut
      Citizens involved in a disaster typically don't give their permission to be photographed or observed by tourists.